Stories and Poems for Northeastern Native Tribal Families: From A Circle Tied to Mother Earth

Stomp Out the Culture of Addiction
HELP RECOVERY AND PREVENTION GROW!
It is said that Native American people originally
“stomp danced” as a way to flatten the grass at the
beginning of large gatherings. As times change,
some of our traditions can take on new meanings
and address different cultural needs. Today, one
of the greatest concerns in Native communities
is the loss of our spirit and people to heroin and
other opioid problems. Together as a people,
families and tribes can show that we are more
powerful against addiction when we are united
for prevention.
We can have a conversation about how the Stomp
Dance can help us stay healthy and prevent these
issues. We support our people who are battling
addiction and give them hope.
Together, we can have healthy lives, now
and in the future.
“The (Cross-Tribal)… Group is bringing
people who have lost their way back
into our traditional circles. We are
honoring our ancient traditions of
dance, prayer, and unity to build
strength and resilience today. It is
a chance to remember the sons,
daughters, brothers, sisters, parents,
and loved ones we have lost to
addiction, and pray for the people
who remain.”
— Robert Peters (Mashpee Wampanoag)
and Kristen Wyman (Natick Nipmuc)
HELP IS AVAILABLE.
You can find resources to prevent and
treat alcohol and other drug misuse in the
free Coming Home booklet found here:
mass.gov/dph/NativeAmericanMaterials.
You’ll recognize art work and quotes by Native
people. Inside of Coming Home you’ll find
contacts for services including those below:
Indian Health Services (IHS) Mashpee
Wampanoag Health Services Unit offers
counseling, treatment, and many other services
in Mashpee, MA, at 508-477-6967
mashpeewampanoagtribe-nsn.gov/health-andhuman-services
If you are from another part of the state,
you can find services and get questions
answered at the Massachusetts Substance Use
Helpline at HelplineMA.org. You can also call
800-327-5050 (toll free) or use MassRelay at
711 or 800-439-2370, 7 days a week.
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